Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt Eve

November 16, 2018 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Event Navigation

Imagine a Christmas Angel appearing from the Gothic doors of an old world monastery crypt. Imagine a live Nutcracker waving a banner as he stands guard. Imagine the resounding chords of monks as they chant, trumpeters heralding in the season, and a bell choir of nuns performing angelic tunes.

Better yet – don’t imagine – live it – during opening ceremonies for the 21st annual Christkindlmarkt to be held in Ferdinand, Indiana. All who wish to experience the magic are invited to gather on the west side lawn of the majestically domed Monastery Immaculate Conception at 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday, November 17. There, the Christkindl, or Christmas Angel, will appear (as she has done at Nuremberg, Germany’s Christkindlmarkts for over 500 years) and regale the assembled with her angelic, melodious voice. Children will light the way as trumpeters herald in the markt, monks chant, choirs sing, and the Sisters of St. Benedict Bell Choir will perform.

This outdoor Christkindlmarkt Eve event is free and open to all who wish to live a little magic. The Sisters will be hosting their annual Simply Divine Bake Sale immediately following the 30-minute program.

Parking is available on the grounds at Monastery Immaculate Conception. Additional parking can be found at St. Ferdinand Church with a complimentary shuttle service to the monastery.

Following the free opening ceremonies, a dinner is planned at 7:00 pm ET inside St. Gertrude Hall at the monastery. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased by calling (812) 367-2777 between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. All proceeds benefit the Sisters of St. Benedict.

Ferdinand, Indiana, is located on Indiana State Road 162, one mile north of I-64, at Exit 63, 45 minutes east of Evansville, Indiana and one hour west of Louisville, Kentucky. For more information and/or hotel accommodations, contact (800) 968-4578.

Christkindlmarkt – an old-world German tradition started in the 14th century and continues today, where artisans, bakers, vintners, and vendors display their wares in a festival like setting at six markt sites with over 150 booths of antiques, primitives, quality hand-crafted items, art, pottery, wood carvings, food, and wine This is a not-to-be-missed experience for young and old alike.

Contact Us

Visit Dubois County

We make it our mission to help visitors make memories in Dubois County. By showcasing our heritage, highlighting family-oriented destinations, building cooperation and spreading our welcoming spirit, we help our economy and sense of community grow stronger.